Organisation 

Grenzenlos/ICYE Austria was founded in 1957. Its main office is in Vienna. It has a large network of collaborators, most of whom are former ICYE volunteers. 

Grenzenlos focuses on mobility volunteering projects. We also work in the non-formal education sector as well as working for the inclusion of participants with disabilities.  

Programme 

Hosting voluntary projects include work in the education sector (kindergarten and school), childcare centres, youth centres, working with disabled people, NGO work, and, to some extent, projects in the environmental sector.  

Short-term host placements deal mostly with the NGO sector and support for environmental projects or youth projects.  

We have the following programmes for Volunteering sending: ESC Volunteering, Social Service Participants (“Zivilersatzdienst”) and Workcamp Projects.  

About the country 

Austria is more than alpine mountain peaks and classical music. Situated in the heart of Europe, where old traditions and modern ideas live side by side; sometimes in the same street.  

What makes Austria special isn’t only its beautiful landscapes, but the spaces in between: the peaceful valleys where time slows down, the evening light on centuries-old streets, or the meeting of different people from different intercultural background specially in the bigger cities. It’s a country shaped by craftsmanship and curiosity, where people still take pride in doing things well—whether it’s baking a loaf of bread, building a violin, or designing innovative green technologies. 

Austria’s nine diverse regions each bring their own flavors, dialects, and personality. In the east, vineyards stretch across the hills; in the west, rugged alpine villages balance tradition and contemporary architecture. The country is home to forests, lakes and outstanding rivers. The different weather seasons allow you to experience everything from a snowy landscape in winter to beautiful flowers in spring and refreshing swims in rivers like the Danube in summer.  

The capital Vienna is where the old-world elegance meets the creative impulses of the young, who can sometimes be anti-traditional. It is a city of beautiful palaces, design studios, theatres, art, and beloved local cafés, where people enjoy food, drinks, and good conversation. 

Austria is a place that values quality of life, cultural openness, and a deep connection between people and their surroundings.